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Michelle Johnson accepts position
By ELI LUTGENS
Editor
The New Richland City Council announced Michelle Johnson has accepted an offer to be New Richland’s next City Administrator at its regular meeting, Monday, April 12.
Many New Richland residents were surprised to hear of the resignation of City Administrator Sara McKay after just several months on the job. Council acted swiftly and offered the position to the person they felt was the next most qualified candidate from those candidates interviewed last year.
Councilperson Loren Schlaak asked whether Johnson’s experience would allow her to do the job effectively.
Mayor Gail Schmidt is confident she’s ready. “She comes highly recommended. She’s got city clerk experience. She knows the fund accounting. She’s got a degree in accounting. She’s got experience on the city council, and in the clerk [position/office], and now she’s been at the county.”
Councilperson Jason Casey questioned whether Johnson was ready for the challenges facing the city. “Is she aware of our situation?”
Mayor Schmidt: “Absolutely.”
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Ellendale City Council
By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
The Ellendale City Council began its first regular meeting of the month on Monday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. with the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items. A discussion on the Ellendale mural painting was had, and it was announced that the Ellendale citywide cleanup will take place on May 22.
In an update for the Parks and Trails Committee, it was stated that the manual on how to install equipment at Crown Ridge Park was located. Quotes and specific details on improvements to the city clerk’s office were also discussed, which the council will review during the next meeting.
During the clerk’s report, it was stated by Councilperson Stephanie Kibler that a local resident agreed to join the Codification Committee, bringing the committee to five current members. The council agreed to cancel a contract with Luke Dobberstein, along with the inspection of a fire truck by the American Test Center at a cost of $575.
The name change from Klemmensen Court to Lerberg Court was discussed, and a suggestion was made to hold a public hearing on the matter. The item was tabled.
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By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
Five guests were present and one council member, Duane Goebel, absent for the Ellendale City Council’s regular meeting on Thursday, March 25. The agenda and consent agenda items were approved.
Present from the Fire Building Committee to discuss the fire building project was Jaclyn Froman. The possibility of hiring either an architect or general contractor/construction manager for the project was discussed, as well as grant options and donations to help cover the building cost. The item was tabled until the next meeting.
During the fire department report, Fire Chief Busho stated that an active fire department member of five years is currently on probation from a felony conviction that happened a year ago. Busho told the council that due to the conviction, which may be lowered to a misdemeanor if the individual completes probation, the individual cannot be an Emergency Responder and should not be allowed on medical calls.
The individual agreed to the terms, and Busho also stated that the member is “harmless” and should be allowed to stay on as a member of the fire department. Currently, no fire department policy is in place to address such a situation. The council recommended that Busho take the matter to the Fire Department Board for consideration on whether or not to allow the individual to remain a member of the fire department. The final decision regarding the individual’s fire department membership status will be made by the council. The report was approved.
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Elementary principal retiring after 36 years in education
IS IT TIME? - Doug Anderson says something he will miss most about his job is being part of students’ everyday lives. After working in education for 36 years, his decision to retire did not come easily. (Star Eagle photo by Deb Bently)
By JORDAN HOREJSI
Staff Writer
After 36 years in education, retiring elementary principal Doug Anderson already knows what he will miss the most: “Without a doubt, it’s that connection with the students—being part of their everyday lives, watching them arrive as kindergarteners, and walk out our door for the last time as soon-to-be sixth-graders.”
For the past 11 years, Anderson has stood inside the entrance to the elementary school, greeting students, chatting with them about everyday occurrences and developments. “The good and, sometimes, the not-so-good,” he says. “It’s been a difficult decision because I know how badly I will miss those conversations.”
Elementary Observations
As he finishes his career at NRHEG, Doug Anderson says he will miss being part of students' everyday lives. He shares the story below to illustrate the many paths a conversation with children can follow.
Recently I had the opportunity to fill in as the substitute teacher for our Bridges classroom. Bridges is the Pre-Kindergarten Readiness program at the elementary school. After answering the usual questions of, "Why are you teaching in our room?" and, "Do you even know how to teach?" we successfully began the afternoon.
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By ELI LUTGENS
Editor
The New Richland City Council accepted Sara J. McKay’s resignation from the City Administrator position, effective immediately, on Monday, April 5, following a closed meeting.
Following the closed meeting, council met briefly to take action. Council accepted the resignation of McKay and approved to offer the position to the next qualified candidate from the November interview pool. The City of New Richland is not ready to reveal the name publicly as the position has not been filled at this time.
Other action taken
The council passed a motion to temporarily suspend the $500 purchase allowance for city employees.